Timeless, classic and traditional, layers of history and collections, life’s experiences held tight. At other times a spare asethetic, the sense of less is natural. It’s a look that harks back to an age before the mass produced, a time of the artisan and the simple. A look that is even more relevant in these times of mass consumption. History and the time worn, vintage and the long discarded but newly rediscovered. It’s a bower bird approach to beauty. Australian stylist and interior designer Justin Bishop.

New work from Melbourne based photographer Armelle Habib. Her work is hot at the moment appearing in all the major Australian interiors mags. No wonder. Her photos are bright and breezy. Creative, refreshing and as vibrant as the homes she snaps. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you…. that’s you lot… the readers! This week’s problem is from Julie B and to begin with I need to say that we are all jealous that this is the problem that she has… sigh… got that off my chest 🙂 Secondly these photos are from a real estate listing and the furniture is not Julie’s but the previous owner’s.

I just bought a cabin by the sea in Humlekjær in Norway. I’m willing to spend more money to improve it. Here are the areas I want to improve:
– The inside plan and the facade looks a bit messy, partly because of the windows in different sizes. So Im thinking of having a big panorama window in the front where the balcony is, to open up or something else?

– The balcony is not very elegant, it looks very old and grey, what can I do with it?

– I would love to get more suggestions on improvement from you.

Thank you so much…

A seamless melding of old and new, a simplicity, a truth to the designs, whether contemporary or with a nod to the traditional, a sense of humour and a love of the quirky, the found object and a relaxed and stylish vibe. Practical with panache. An easy going elan. Love the first kitchen. Love. At one moment dark and moody yet light and practical, a fabulous marriage of materials, wood and concrete, tile and stainless steel. Urban meets nature with an indy edge and you can still cook up a storm in the place. Great homes by Montreal based interior designer Catlin Stothers.

Sitting in a meadow of flowers, surrounded by fruit trees, not far from the Baltic Sea in Germany is Haus Otteni. This old farm workers’ house has been lovingly restored by its photographer owner. It’s a family home of interconnecting rooms, clay plaster walls, rustic beams and a dark cave like feel. Interesting sight lines and the play of light and shadow reveal the photographer’s eye. A special place that is made even more lovely by its everyday practicality. Precious but not precocious. Even better it is available for holiday rent. Sunbathing in the meadows, relaxing in the shade of a fruit tree, soft breezes blowing in from the coast. Lazy, blowsy summer days with family or friends.